If you’re like most of us, you take screenshots on your phone all the time. But did you know you can do the same thing on your laptop—and it’s just as easy? If you’re unsure how to go about it or you’d like to learn different methods, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to take screenshots on your laptop, whether it’s a MacBook or a PC.

How to Take a Screenshot on Your MacBook

If you have a MacBook and want to take a screen capture, try your keyboard shortcuts or your computer’s screenshot tool.

How to Use the Screenshot Tool

1. Open the Screenshot Tool:
   • On your keyboard, press Shift + Command + 5 to open the screenshot tool.
2. Select Your Screenshot Type:
   • Capture Entire Screen: Select this option, then click Capture.
   • Capture Selected Portion: Choose this, click and drag a box around the area you want to screenshot, then click Capture.
   • Capture Selected Window: Pick this option, move the cursor to the desired window, and click.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

For an even quicker way to take a screenshot on your Mac laptop, try these keyboard shortcuts:

• Screenshot the Entire Screen: Press Shift + Command + 3.
• Screenshot a Portion of the Screen: Press Shift + Command + 4. Click and drag the box around the area you want to screenshot.
• Screenshot the Touch Bar: Press Shift + Command + 6.

To Print Screen on Mac:

Press Shift + Command + 4 + Space bar. This will automatically take a full-screen capture and save the photo to your desktop as a PNG file. You’ll see a preview in the bottom-right corner as it captures.

Also, read: Is Overcharging your Laptop Bad? Myths, Facts, and Smart Charging Tips

How to Take a Screenshot on Your Windows Laptop

If you have a PC that runs Windows™, there are several ways to take screenshots.

Print Screen on Windows

These keyboard shortcuts are the quickest way to take screenshots on your laptop. Here’s how to use them:

• Take a Picture of Your Entire Screen: Press Windows + PrtScn. This takes a snapshot of the entire screen and automatically saves the photo to your Screenshots folder in Pictures.
• Take a Screenshot of Your Active Window: Press Alt + PrtScn. This captures only the window you’re currently using. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot into a program like Paint or Photoshop® to save it.

Use Snip & Sketch

To customize and annotate your screenshot, try the Snip & Sketch image editor.

1. Open Snip & Sketch: Press Windows + Shift + S.
2. Select Screenshot Type: Use the buttons along the top to choose a rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen screenshot.
3. Capture the Screen: Select the part of the screen you want to capture. Your custom screenshot will save to your clipboard, and you’ll get a preview notification. Click on it to open the Snip & Sketch app where you can measure, mark up, and crop your image.

Use the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows tool to customize and annotate your screenshots. Here’s how it works:

1. Open Snipping Tool: Search “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar, then select it from the menu.
2. Choose Delay and Mode: Under Delay, select if you want a time delay. Click the Mode button to pick a shape for your screenshot.
3. Capture and Edit: Click New, then select the area you want to screenshot. Use the tool to edit your screenshot or choose where you want to save it. The editing feature lets you create freeform shapes, use the drawing tool to highlight parts of the picture, or create a partial screenshot.

Use Third-Party Apps

Whether you have a Mac or a PC, you can download screenshot apps for more advanced features.

Snagit

• Features: Snagit offers more than 10 ways to take screenshots and robust editing tools.
• Cost: It requires payment after a brief free trial.

Greenshot

• Features: Greenshot is free and makes it easy to save screenshots to different folders. It even lets you take screenshots of complete web pages.
• Cost: Free.

FAQs

• Can I take screenshots of a video playing on my screen?

Yes, you can take screenshots of anything displayed on your screen, including videos. Use the methods mentioned above to capture your screen while the video is playing.

• Where are my screenshots saved?

On a Mac, screenshots are typically saved to your desktop by default. On Windows, they are usually saved in the Screenshots folder inside the Pictures library.

• Can I change where my screenshots are saved?

Yes, you can change the save location. On Mac, you can change it through the screenshot tool settings. On Windows, you can move the Screenshots folder to a different location.

• What format are screenshots saved in?

Screenshots on both Mac and Windows are usually saved in PNG format by default, but you can change the format using various tools or apps.

Wrapping Up

Taking screenshots on your laptop, whether it’s a MacBook or a Windows PC, is straightforward once you know how. From built-in tools to keyboard shortcuts and third-party apps, there’s a method for everyone. Now, go ahead and capture your screen with ease!

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